2016-2017 Blue Valley West Jazz 2 Syllabus
Course description: BVW Jazz 2 is a preparation course for Jazz 1. Students enrolled in this class will learn the basics of the jazz style, sound, balance and terminology. Students will be introduced to jazz improvisation and its relationship with scales and chord progressions. Students of all levels are welcome to join this class-no experience necessary!
Attendance expectation: Students are expected to attend class and be on time if they are present at school. Attendance is taken at the beginning of the class period (see class times below) and students not in their seats within a minute of the tardy bell will be counted late or absent. Points will be deducted from the Daily Basics for tadies and two tardies in one week will result in a loss of all Daily Basics points for that week. (see grading policy below)
Rehearsal expectation: Students will have all materials for rehearsal (instrument/supplies, music, pencil, tuner). They should be engaged during the entire rehearsal. Phones are to be used as tuners only unless specified otherwise. They will need headphones for a few classes. Advanced warning will be given for this (basic headphones that come with their mobile phones work great-no need to purchase a set).
Performance expectation: Students will attend the below performances as part of their letter grade for the course. This includes showing up on time and properly dressed (see below for dress code). All listed events are required. Optional events such as NEKMEA All Region Honor Jazz Band are encouraged but not required.
Behavior expectation: Students are to be respectful and kind to every human they come in contact with including other students, master class teachers, administrators, parents, etc. Any issues should be handled in a courteous and professional manner. Bullying of any kind will not be tolerated and will result in removal from the ensemble.
Regular school schedule: Tuesday 11:40-1:10pm, Thursday, 1:23-2:50pm, Friday 1:04-1:54pm
Performance schedule: *all listed events are required, specific times will be in weekly newsletter
FALL: November 17 concertSPRING: February 28Spring concert
December 9 Jingle Jazz March 4 KU Jazz Fest (could change)
April 14 Nacho Jazz
Performance attire: For most performances, we will wear black slacks with our black BVW Jazz Polo (or an unmarked black dress shirt), black socks and shoes and a black belt (shirts must be tucked in). For combo performances, students may decide to add ties, etc. We aim to look professional at all times!If these items are not in your closet you will need to make sure to purchase them prior to our first performance.
Optional concert/field trips: *these will involve extra cost/time
FALL: October 9, 6pm UMKC Jazz BBQ
November 8 OR 15 , 7:30pm UMKC Jazz combos
November 29, 7:30pm UMKC Conservatory Jazz Bands
December 1 , 7:30pm Wynton Marsalis and JLC Big Band performing at the Midland in KC
SPRING: TBA
Attendance at one of the above performances is worth extra credit (5 points added on to daily basics or an assignment grade-whichever is lowest). Other performances will qualify for extra credit if students bring in a program or a note from a parent saying they attended.
Grading Policy: Student grades will be calculated as follows:
Performances 50%Daily Basics 10%Album reviews 20%Projects 20%
Performances that are required are part of the students’ overall grade percentage similar to that of an exam. Daily Basics includes being on time and having all materials needed for class (see above for list under rehearsal expectations). Album reviews are due every four weeks. Students will be given class time to complete each review-tracks not completed during the allowed time must be completed outside of class. Projects occur each semester. Each project will be worth 5% of students’ overall grade. Details will be provided in class.